This three-day workshop introduces forging as a way to develop sculptural form. Students will begin with basic techniques such as drawing, tapering, bending, twisting and spreading. They will then use these processes to create small studies in steel.

Demonstrations will include hand forging, power hammer use, cutting, grinding, fitting and basic joining. Sketching and quick physical studies will help students test ideas before committing to a finished form.

The emphasis is on experimentation and on learning how the behavior of hot steel can influence design decisions. Students will leave with forged samples, sculptural studies and a stronger foundation for using blacksmithing processes in their own creative work.

No previous forging experience is required.

Students Should Bring

● Leather steel toe boots or safety-toe boots

● Long natural-fiber pants

● Long-sleeved natural-fiber shirt

● Sketchbook and pencils

● Reusable water bottle

● Packing materials for finished work